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This Week in USC Sports History 1982 - Former USC outfielder Mookie Wilson won a starting position for the New York Mets. Wilson, a member of USC’s 1977 College World Series squad, was called up in 1980 as a bench player for the Mets. Bradley guides U.S. team into medal contention Staff Reports The Gamecock Gamecock senior Jamel Bradley defended his selection to the U.S. Deaflympics basketball team this week, scoring 33 points over two games to lead the U.S. to two victories. The team left Washington, D.C. after two weeks of training to compete in the 19th Deaflympics, which features hearing-impaired athletes from several countries in a variety of events. Team USA faced the reigning European champion Greek team in its first match Thursday, and quickly fell behind in the first quarter. However, a barrage of 3-pointers from Bradley and his teammates paced the USA to a 94-77 win. “Leaving [Washington] D.C. and coming here was a transition for all of us,” Bradley said. “Now we know how this is played and we can think about the mistakes we made and focus on the next game.” After Darnell Woods shot two 3-pointers to give the U.S. a 6-0 lead, the U.S. was quickly subdued by a Greek 17-3 run. Bradley launced a baseline jump shot, followed by two David Hamilton 3-pointers, to bring the U.S. within six at the end of the first quarter. Bradley sunk his first 3-pointer in the second quarter to put Team USA back into a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. The rest of the game featured a 24-point run and tight defense by the U.S., highlighted by Bradley’s team-high 19 points. “We played very well tonight. I’m happy with our performance,” U.S. head coach James DeStefano said.” In spite of not having a scouting report on Greece and not knowing how good they were, we played well.” The game also featured a rebounding clinic from the U.S.’s Dee Brown. Brown’s pressure on the offensive and defensive boards evened the U.S.’s disadvantage in height. Bradley scored 14 points in the U.S.’s second match, helping pace Team USA to a 96-44 blowout over the undermanned Israel team. Bradley once again employed his specialty 3-point shot, drilling three in the first quarter and one more in the second half. Bradley also contributed solid defense, ranking among the top in rebounds, assists and steals. A full-court pressure defense by Team USA only allowed nine points in the first quarter, pacing them to a 22-9 lead. The lead would only increase during the rest of the game. The Americans led by as much as 53 points before finally shutting the door on Israel. “We’ve scouted Israel, and we knew what we were up against,” DeStefano said in explaining his use of the full-court press. “We needed to match Israel’s offense.” Bradley, a native of Beckley, WVa., has been deaf since an illness at 18 months of age destroyed 80 percent of his hearing. However, Bradley’s skills on the court are no evidence of his disability. Bradley came to USC as part of then-coach Eddie Fogler’s 1997 signing class. He has led USC the past two seasons in scoring and should be the starting shooting guard for this season’s edition of Gamecock basketball. Team USA wrapped up the preliminary pool play of the Deaflympics Tuesday. Results were not known at press time. However, the first round of medal contention will begin Friday against an unknown opponent. Special to The Gamecock Gamecock Jamel Bradley led Team USA to two victories in the Deaflympics this week. McBeth, Floyds leaning towards collegiate ball by David Cloninger The Gamecock Although baseball season doesn’t begin until February, USC fans are already sitting on the edge of their seats. This edginess is brought on by the situation three Gamecocks currently face - whether to play for USC or to jump to the major leagues. Gamecock juniors Michael Floyd and Marcus McBeth were selected last month in the Major League Baseball draft, but haven’t given a final decision on whether they will go pro or return for their senior years. USC signee Gavin Floyd (Michael’s younger brother) faces the choice. The Floyds and McBeth will be instrumental in Coach Ray Tanner’s squad being successful this season. McBeth is regarded as the best centerfielder in the SEC while Michael Floyd led the team in hitting last season. Gavin, meanwhile, is a pitcher with big league talent, evidenced by his fourth overall draft selection. However, all three players appear to be coming to Columbia. “Right now, [the Phillies] only offered one time,” Gavin said of the team that selected him and his brother. “I’m sure they’ll offer again, but as of right now, we're coming to South Carolina.” The Floyds have expressed their wish CLONINGER see page 10 USC's Thompson makes U.S. Amateur Golf Roundup The Gamecock USC sophomore Kory Thompson shot a four-over 76 at the U.S. Women’s Amateur sectional qualifier Wednesday to advance to the U.S. Women’s Amateur Tournament in Andover, Kan., this week. “I haven’t played too much this summer, but winning the Columbia City Women’s title earlier this summer got me motivated,” Thompson said. “I’ve never qualified for the U.S. Amateur before.” Thompson placed third in the sectionals, three strokes back from winner Co- n— Pomeranz. Thompson, who attended Irmo High School, followed older sister Kacy to the Gamecock program last season. As a freshman, Kory had an 80.27 stroke average through six tournaments, with a top finish of 21st place at the Lady Paladin Invitational. She also beat another teammate, Marci Robinson, to win the Columbia City Championship. Kory will travel to Kansas with Kacy and the rest of her family. The tournament will be held at Flint Hills National Golf Club and begins Monday, runnin'’4 •’ • special 10 i ne uamwwv* Kory Thompson qualified for the U.S. Amateur Tournament.